NCAA Preview 2011: No. 39 Dartmouth

Several key midfielders and defenseman, as well as an All-American attackman, have departed. But the Big Green should be formidable in 2011 led by strong attackman and a standout goalie. With more than a dozen juniors out from fall ball as usual because of Dartmouth College's "D-Plan" where they embark on internships off campus, the coaching staff is excited to have this group back in Hanover for the season. Strength and conditioning has been a priority for the Big Green to keep of the pace of play in the Ivy League, according to Coach Andy Towers. IL was able to catch up with Towers last week to discuss the outlook leading up to their home opener against Colgate on Feb. 26.

BURNING QUESTION

Who can fill the void left by graduated All-American attackman Ari Sussman?

After saying goodbye to the ultra-talented Sussman, Towers noted that he would like to diversify this year's attack a bit more, headlined by senior Josh Etzion and Chris Costabile. Etzion (18G, 12A) is an explosive dodger with great vision that should carry the rock from X significantly more with Sussman gone. A native of the Sunshine State, Etzion was elected a captain in his final season in Hanover. Costabile is an athletic shooter at 6'3, 195 pounds, and after dropping 20 goals and 6 assists in his freshman campaign, he appears poised for All-American honors down the line. He took a team-high 75 shots (9th in the Ivy League), so after cleaning up his shot in the offseason, even bigger things are expected from the sophomore from suburban Baltimore.

FRESH FACES

Towers raves about this year's freshman class, mentioning that the majority are competing for minutes right away, specifically at attack and defense.

Zac Koufakis missed fall ball while recovering from a torn ACL suffered during midseason while completing a postgrad year at Deerfield Academy. With roots in lacrosse-crazy Manhasset on Long Island, the savvy Koufakis is an excellent feeder that can fill the nets as well. Jeff Perkins (St. Mark's, Tex.) and Brendan Rotanz (Fairfield Prep, Conn.) are two more heralded recruits that could see extensive time. According to Towers, Perkins "has unbelievable hands and can finish strong both lefty or righty", while Rotanz is an established all-around threat.

After graduating all four starters at defense, newcomers have been chomping at the bit competing for starting jobs. Towers exclaimed that there are three superb longpoles that will get excellent minutes: Austin Cohen (Elwood-John Glenn, N.Y.), Dennis Foster (Gilman, Md.) and Eric Clemmenson (Bridgton Academy, Maine). The LSM position is a glaring need, and both first years dazzled at the position in high school and will likely compete for that duty. Clemmenson sat out in the fall while waiting to hear from the NCAA Clearinghouse, but Towers loves his athleticism and physicality.

BREAKOUT PLAYER TO WATCH

Nikki Dysenchuk, midfield, 8, 1

Coming out of Connecticut powerhouse Darien, Dysenchuk was one of just three Dartmouth freshman to play in all 13 games, starting six because of injuries to veterans. The 5'11, 170-pound midfielder was thrown in on man-down situations and racked up considerable time on the offensive midfield, compiling 21 ground balls, good for fifth on the team. The sophomore has a strong field sense and plays well with either hand. There are some holes that need to be filled at midfield this season, and Dysenchuk is a strong candidate to help carry the load.

UNIT TO WATCH

Pint-sized at 5'6 and 160 pounds, Fergus Campbell posted a league best (8th in the country) 58% save percentage in 2010 and will be the lynchpin to the Big Green's success. The junior netminder hasn't gotten the credit he deserves and will need to bring down his goals against average of 9.94 for his name to be mentioned when discussing the nation's top goalies. A pair of sophomores, Ryan Alexander and Bernie Susskind, are legitimate backups.

GAME TO WATCH

Dartmouth at Cornell, 4/2

Although every game in the Ivy League is a dogfight, Cornell will be especially hungry to knock off the Big Green this season after being upset last spring, 8-6. Fergus Campbell turned away a whopping 23 shots in the contest, grabbing Inside Lacrosse Player of the Week recognition. Cornell is ranked No. 4 in IL's Faceoff Yearbook preseason poll and will be the heavy favorite but another highly competitive game is expected to occur.

Note: Rankings for the NCAA Previews are based off the 2011 Face-Off Yearbook. You can purchase a copy here.